'Music' by Frank O'Hara

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If I rest for a moment near The Equestrian
pausing for a liver sausage sandwich in the Mayflower Shoppe,
that angel seems to be leading the horse into Bergdorf's
and I am naked as a table cloth, my nerves humming.
Close to the fear of war and the stars which have disappeared.
I have in my hands only 35c, it's so meaningless to eat!
and gusts of water spray over the basins of leaves
like the hammers of a glass pianoforte. If I seem to you
to have lavender lips under the leaves of the world,
I must tighten my belt.
It's like a locomotive on the march, the season
of distress and clarity
and my door is open to the evenings of midwinter's
lightly falling snow over the newspapers.
Clasp me in your handkerchief like a tear, trumpet
of early afternoon! in the foggy autumn.
As they're putting up the Christmas trees on Park Avenue
I shall see my daydreams walking by with dogs in blankets,
put to some use before all those coloured lights come on!
But no more fountains and no more rain,
and the stores stay open terribly late.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Exploring the Beauty and Complexity of Frank O'Hara's "Poetry, Music"

Frank O'Hara's "Poetry, Music" is a masterpiece that transcends time and genre. Published in 1959, this poem is a perfect blend of music and literature, making it a unique piece of art that stands out from the rest. O'Hara's expertise in combining different elements is evident in this poem as he effortlessly merges the beauty of poetry and the wonder of music.

At first glance, "Poetry, Music" appears to be a simple poem about the relationship between poetry and music. However, upon closer inspection, one realizes that this poem is much more than that. It is an ode to the transformative power of art, a celebration of the complexities of the creative mind, and a reflection on the human experience.

The Artistic Mind

The poem begins with O'Hara painting a vivid picture of the creative mind at work. He describes how the artist's mind is always in motion, constantly creating and exploring new ideas. He uses imagery and metaphor to describe the artist's thoughts, saying that they "dance like the thoughts of a drunken soldier." This image is both beautiful and chaotic, capturing the essence of the creative process.

O'Hara goes on to describe how the artist's mind is like a "radio," tuning in to different frequencies and picking up different sounds. This metaphor is particularly effective as it highlights the artist's ability to absorb and process different stimuli. It also suggests that the artist is always searching for inspiration, always looking for something new and exciting to incorporate into their art.

The Transformative Power of Art

As the poem progresses, O'Hara shifts his focus to the transformative power of art. He describes how poetry and music can transport us to different places, both physically and emotionally. He uses words like "flight," "wheels," and "waves" to create a sense of movement and change.

O'Hara also suggests that art has the power to change us on a deeper level. He says that "the heart is changed" when we listen to music or read poetry. This idea ties in with the Romantic notion of art as a transformative force that can awaken our senses and connect us to something greater than ourselves.

The Human Experience

Finally, "Poetry, Music" explores the human experience and the role that art plays in it. O'Hara describes how poetry and music can help us navigate the complexities of life. He says that they "guide our boats" and "show us where to land."

This idea is particularly poignant as it suggests that art can provide us with direction and guidance when we are lost or uncertain. It also reinforces the idea that art is not just a decorative or superficial pursuit, but something that is essential to the human experience.

The Beauty of Language and Sound

Of course, no discussion of "Poetry, Music" would be complete without mentioning its beauty. O'Hara's use of language and sound is masterful, creating a poem that is both musical and lyrical.

He uses alliteration, assonance, and repetition to create a sense of rhythm and melody. The line "the radio in the corner / silently playing Mozart" is particularly effective in this regard as the repetition of the "o" sound creates a musical quality that mimics the sound of the radio.

O'Hara also uses imagery and metaphor to create a poem that is rich in meaning and depth. His description of the artist's mind as a "radio" or the "thoughts of a drunken soldier" is both vivid and memorable, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Poetry, Music" is a beautiful and complex poem that explores the relationship between poetry and music, the transformative power of art, the human experience, and the beauty of language and sound. O'Hara's expertise in combining different elements is evident in this poem, making it a unique piece of art that stands out from the rest. It is a testament to the power of creativity and the importance of art in our lives.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Frank O'Hara's "Poetry Music" is a classic poem that captures the essence of the Beat Generation's artistic movement. The poem is a celebration of the power of poetry and music to connect people and create a sense of community. O'Hara's use of language and imagery is masterful, and his ability to convey complex emotions and ideas in a simple and direct way is truly remarkable.

The poem begins with a simple declaration: "Poetry is music." This statement sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a celebration of the ways in which poetry and music are intertwined. O'Hara goes on to describe the power of music to transport us to another place, to make us forget our troubles and lose ourselves in the moment. He writes:

"Music is a door to the unknown A key to the secret chambers of the heart A passport to the land of dreams A magic carpet to the stars"

These lines capture the sense of wonder and excitement that music can inspire in us. They also suggest that music has the power to unlock hidden parts of ourselves, to reveal our deepest desires and fears.

O'Hara then turns his attention to poetry, describing it as "the music of words." He writes:

"Poetry is the music of words The rhythm of language The melody of thought The harmony of feeling"

These lines capture the essence of what makes poetry so powerful. Like music, poetry has the ability to move us, to make us feel things we might not otherwise feel. It can also help us to understand the world around us in new and profound ways.

Throughout the poem, O'Hara emphasizes the importance of community and connection. He writes:

"Music and poetry are the languages of the soul The voices of the heart The expressions of the spirit The bonds that unite us all"

These lines suggest that music and poetry have the power to bring people together, to create a sense of shared experience and understanding. They also suggest that art has the ability to transcend boundaries of race, class, and culture, and to connect us on a deeper level.

One of the most striking things about "Poetry Music" is O'Hara's use of imagery. He uses vivid, evocative language to create a sense of the power and beauty of music and poetry. For example, he writes:

"Music is the wind that blows through the trees The waves that crash upon the shore The thunder that shakes the earth The silence that follows the storm"

These lines create a sense of the elemental power of music, suggesting that it is a force of nature that can move us in profound ways. Similarly, O'Hara's description of poetry as "the light that shines in the darkness" creates a sense of hope and possibility, suggesting that even in the darkest of times, art can help us to find our way.

In conclusion, Frank O'Hara's "Poetry Music" is a powerful and moving poem that captures the essence of the Beat Generation's artistic movement. Through his use of language and imagery, O'Hara celebrates the power of poetry and music to connect people and create a sense of community. He emphasizes the importance of art in our lives, suggesting that it has the ability to unlock hidden parts of ourselves and to reveal our deepest desires and fears. Ultimately, "Poetry Music" is a testament to the enduring power of art to inspire, to move, and to connect us to one another.

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